Hot beverages can cause esophageal cancer: WHO

The report was based on the study conducted by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), part of the WHO.

Key facts

The conclusion comes after researchers discovered that the drinks are not carcinogenic, but actually the high temperatures at which they served causes cancer.

For this study purpose IARC had analysed studies from Iran, China and South America where tea and coffee are often served at 70 Celsius or above.

It was found that in developed countries, causes of esophageal cancer include smoking and alcohol, but it is more common in parts of the world where drinks are often consumed at very high temperatures.